Antoine Semenyo has revealed he has been receiving playful abuse from his former Bournemouth teammates ahead of Manchester City's trip to the Vitality Stadium on Tuesday. The forward, who scored the winning goal in the FA Cup final against Chelsea, is preparing to face his old club for the first time since his January move.
Semenyo's improvised backheel settled the FA Cup final, and he has since lifted two trophies with City. The Blues are still chasing a domestic treble, while Bournemouth are unbeaten since Semenyo's departure and are chasing a European place. 'I was the problem,' joked Semenyo. 'I am happy they are doing so well and hopefully they get into Europe too.'
The 24-year-old said he still speaks to his former teammates daily and expects a tough game. 'They've been giving me a lot of cr*p, just like they're going to kick me and this and that but it'll be good to see them all,' he said. 'It's going to be a tough game. So I'm looking forward to the challenge and hopefully we win.'
Semenyo described his time at City as 'surreal' and said he has had to adapt quickly. 'When you're playing around top players, you naturally have to be on your toes and on it every single day,' he added. 'They make it easy for you, especially us wingers. They are top players getting on the ball, dictating the play, and it creates a lot of one vs one situations.'
With two matches remaining, City trail Arsenal in the title race. Semenyo insisted the focus is on their own performances. 'We just have to win our games and apply pressure the best way we can,' he said.
